SC says no extra attempt for age-barred civil services aspirants

The Apex Court has refused to allow UPSC civil services aspirants, who are age-barred and exhausted their last attempt in October 2020, to give one more attempt on account of Covid-19. It said that though it sympathises with the aspirants, it is not practically possible to allow a category of aspirants to appear as it will lead to chaos and a lot of litigations.

New Delhi:The Supreme Court has refused to allow UPSC civil services aspirants, who are age-barred and exhausted their last attempt in October 2020, to give one more attempt on account of Covid-19. It said that though it sympathizes with the aspirants, it is not practically possible to allow a category of aspirants to appear as it will lead to chaos and a lot of litigations.

The bench comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Sanjiv Khanna suggested in its order that authorities can be approached by the aspirants who may take a lenient view in the prevailing situation but refused to express any opinion regarding the feasibility of this option. During the hearing, the Court observed that it will be "impossible" and "impractical" as it will have cascading effect and people can say that it is unfair to them on certain grounds. Moreover, it's a policy decision and the Court can't interfere as it "is bound by judicial discipline".

The Apex Court observed that policy is generic and not specific to one individual. "We did make an attempt, issued notice to the other side...but we can't issue directions," said the court. "It can also happen to someone who is very well prepared but is not able to give exam. It's a very hard decision, it's not an easy decision....we have sympathy," said the court. Court gave aspirants the liberty to approach the authorities observing that authorities have been liberal in the past year and they can consider it.